§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Defence if the strategic criteria relating to the sale of Harrier aircraft to the People's Republic of China remain as indicated on behalf of Her Majesty's Government by the then Minister of State for Defence in the Adjournment debate on the subject initiated by the hon. Member for Christchurch and Lymington on 19th December 1975; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Mulley:Her Majesty's Government's policy on the sale of Harrier aircraft to China is the same as that for other items of military equipment. We are prepared to respond to Chinese interest in British defence equipment taking into account the usual political, strategic and economic criteria and our international obligations. The United Kingdom maintains its commitment to COCOM. COCOM keeps under review the strategic criteria which govern its operations and is concerned to ensure that the criteria continue to reflect current political and economic realities.
§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the remarks,Official Report, 19th December 1975, column 2028, of the then Minister of State for Defence in the Adjournment debate initiated by the hon. Member for Christchurch and Lymington on 19th December 1975 on the sale of Harrier aircraft to China, whether he can confirm that he has now received an indication of sufficient interest on behalf of the Chinese Government to justify Her Majesty's Government taking it seriously.
§ Mr. Mulley:Yes.